Liam Livingstone to captain Birmingham Phoenix in Moeen Ali absence

Livingstone is the fifth-highest run-scorer in The Hundred and takes over with his team top of the table with two games to go in the tournament’s group stage

Liam Livingstone will captain Birmingham Phoenix in the absence of Moeen Ali, who has been recalled to England’s Test squad.

Livingstone is the fifth-highest run-scorer in The Hundred and takes over with his team top of the table with two games to go in the tournament’s group stage.

Moeen smashed 59 off 28 balls against Welsh Fire on Monday evening, before being included in England’s squad for the second Test against India at Lord’s.

“Liam is an outstanding cricketer and is a senior player amongst the squad who has recently achieved success with England and he has played in several of the world’s leading short-form tournaments,” said Birmingham Phoenix men’s head coach Dan Vettori.

“He’s produced some excellent performances in The Hundred and has been hugely influential in our four wins to date, so we think that he will make an excellent captain to stand in for Moeen.

“Moeen has made a tremendous impact in the tournament to date. Whilst we’re disappointed to lose him, he’s a huge asset to England in this upcoming Test match at Lord’s and we wish him every success. We look forward to welcoming him back into the Birmingham Phoenix squad soon.”

^{Moeen Ali has proven an influential leader for Birmingham Phoenix}

Livingstone’s first assignment as skipper will come on Friday, when Phoenix face Trent Rockets at Trent Bridge, away from Edgbaston where they have played so well. In their final group game, they travel to Headingley to take on Northern Superchargers.

Livingstone added: “Everyone in the Birmingham Phoenix squad is loving this experience of playing in The Hundred and I feel very privileged to be given this opportunity to take over the team captaincy whilst Moeen is away with England.

“They’re big boots to fill but I’m relishing this opportunity to lead us in these two remaining group games, which can hopefully take us forward to the knockout stages.”